Celebrate 20 years of the TLR-1

Archive for the ‘Helmets’ Category

S&S Precision Catalog

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

We have written about both S&S Precision as well as V-Lite. Both are excellent companies that offer niche products built to exacting standards, that are not found anywhere else. They have recently merged under the S&S Precision brand but will maintain their distinct web presence for the time being. For the those of you unfamiliar with S&S Precision check out their catalog below. By no means is this the entirety of their offerings. For example, we recently wrote about their Grenade Launcher Holster. Another item to watch is the WeaponLinkâ„¢; truly revolutionary in design. Look for further information here in the near future of this and other products.

S&S Precision 2010 Catalog

For those interested in purchasing S&S Precision products contact Grey Group Training.

FAST Helmet Added to USAF Parachutist Approved for Use List

Thursday, March 18th, 2010

Both the Ops-Core Ballistic and FAST helmets have been added to the US Air Force parachutist approved for use list which details equipment that have been certified for airborne operations. This means that they have passed an evaluation including helmet acceleration testing. Following the 1998 parachute fatality of Pararescueman SrA Sean McDermott, the Air Force has taken extra care to ensure that new air items are meticulously tested prior to approval.

Ops-Core Ballistic FAST Helmet

Two caveats have been placed on use of the helmets. First, it cannot be jumped with Night Vision Devices unless criteria in MAJCOM standards are adhered to. Second, nothing may be mounted on the side rails during jumps except O2 mounting straps. Additionally, direction from the Air Staff indicates that the helmets must be properly fitted and MAJCOMs should seek contracted fit training.

www.ops-core.com

A Picture Says a Thousand Words – Part II

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

Self Critiquing

This one however, says a few more.

Fortunately, Marine Sgt William Bee was uninjured in this close call from a Taliban sniper firing a Dragunov but the sentiment captured here is priceless. Protect yourself.

SOCOM is Looking for a New Helmet

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

Program Manager, Special Operations Forces Survival, Support and Equipment Systems (PM SOF-SSES) has released a pre-solicitation for a “non-commercial, non-developmental Modular Integrated Communication Helmet (MICH) Product Improved Helmet, Type I Ballistic System”.

Requirements include “The Type I MICH-BALLISTIC meets or exceeds all of the current MICH helmet requirements with the added benefit of lighter weight and flexible configuration.” Please note the term “flexible”. This is a level of modularity not available on the legacy MICH and screams FAST helmet from Ops-Core or AIRFRAME helmet from Crye Precision although I am sure BAE will have something to throw at this based on their recent work on the Enhanced Combat Helmet combined with Corona.

Ops-Core Ballistic FAST Helmet

Crye Precision AIRFRAME with Chops

BAE's Corona

The pre-solicitation closes 16 March, 2010 with a full and open solicitation to follow later this year.

Manta Strobe from V-lite

Monday, February 1st, 2010

It’s been almost a year to the day since we introduced you to V-lite. At this year’s SHOT Show they introduced the Manta Strobe. A lot of work has gone into this piece of equipment. It velcros to the helmet and the chassis is smooth without any sharp edges to catch on equipment, obstacles, or shroud lines. Additionally, the base is slightly curved to follow the profile of the helmet. What’s more, it’s about half the size of an MS-2000. It is both a visible Green light and IR strobe and does not require a filter. Rather, by simultaneously depressing both side buttons the output is changed. Finally, the on/off switch features vibrating feedback to let you know it is on.

Manta Strobe

We got quite a few requests asking for a better photo of The Manta so here you go.

Manta Strobe

To order visit VliteUSA.com.

New Ops-Core Buckle

Saturday, January 23rd, 2010

Ops-Core has engineered a new buckle for their chinstrap in order to improve the grip while wearing gloves. Additionally, the new design in conjunction with a slight change in how it is attached to the webbing will stop webbing material from preventing the buckle to close.

Ops-Core chinstrap

Basejump Helmet from Ops-Core

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

In order to satisfy users who don’t need all of the capability of the FAST Bump helmet, Ops-Core has developed the Basejump. Manufactured from glass filled nylon the Basejump has the Night Vision mount molded directly into the helmet. Retail is said to be around $180.

Ops Core Basejump

New Lightweight Helmet Option from Gentex

Saturday, October 31st, 2009

Gentex recently unveiled a new lightweight version of their popular Tactical Ballistic Helmet series. This new TBH III is crafted from a polyethylene product rather than the aramid normally found in the TBH. Inspired by the requirements for the Enhanced Combat Helmet requirements, Gentex decided to offer an alternative helmet. In addition to the new ECH, Gentex also developed a helmet that offers the same ballistic protection as a current ACH, but with a weight savings of over 30% due to the use of PE material.

Gentex TBH-III

Additionally, as you can see from the photo, Gentex is experimenting with new cuts to further balance protection with the ability to utilize active hearing protection and communications headsets. Rather than the popular “Gunfighter” cut (still offered by Gentex) step-style cut, this sample has more of a scoop cut around teh front portion of the ears and retains more coverage in the rear.

The new helmet is so new there is no information available on their website yet. Please contact Gentex.